Ok to put new tubeless rim tape over old rim tape?
05-02-21, 04:05 AM
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Ok to put new tubeless rim tape over old rim tape?
I just got a slightly used set of tubeless wheels that has rim tape installed. It's probably fine, but out of an abundance of caution I want to freshen up the rim tape. Do I need to remove what is already there or can I just clean the existing tape and throw a new layer on top? Are there any issues or consideration in doing this?
05-02-21, 04:28 AM
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When I did the conversion on my MTB the stock tubeless rim tape was leaking. I put a strip of Gorilla tape over it and it's good to go. It actually helped me get air in the tire and set the beads because the bead pressed up against the extra thickness of the tape for a better seal, if that makes sense.
05-02-21, 04:33 AM
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The only tubeless tires I know anything about are on motorcycles. Adding material/height to the center channel of a rim can make mounting/de-mounting the tire more difficult.
05-02-21, 06:23 AM
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I remove the old tape which gives me a chance to make sure the is no water in the rim and to clean the rim with alcohol so the new tape sticks well.
05-02-21, 07:40 AM
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05-02-21, 12:44 PM
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This, exactly this. Then get a clean rag and some isopropyl alcohol, and get the rim good and cleaned up before putting the new tape on...I cannot reiterate how important this is. A clean rim is much less trouble to work with when setting up a tubeless tire. A little extra work at the outset will give you months of trouble free use.
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05-02-21, 01:30 PM
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That's really the key...get the left over adhesive off the rim. Period. You want that rim bed surface to be clean, like your legs right after a proper shave.
05-02-21, 02:45 PM
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05-02-21, 09:48 PM
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Just adding my $0.05. Pull the old tape. That way if you have any issues down the line you won't be questioning if it's the old tape, the new tape, or something in between.
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05-03-21, 06:03 AM
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05-03-21, 08:15 PM
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Are we still talking about the Mavic Cosmic Pro's. Pull off the old tape. Start fresh, do it right. If you mess it up, do it again.
You want the tape to be clean and to seal.
You want the tape to be clean and to seal.
